Lake Region State College is following the most recent information regarding the COVID-19 global pandemic. As the information presents itself we are faced with making changes in how we deliver education, house and feed students, and provide other community services.
Earlier today the Governor issued an executive order essentially closing in house dining in any food service establishment. As such, LRSC Dining Services will transition to take out only and the Dining Room and Student Union will be closed to food consumption.
He also issued an executive order declaring all state buildings closed to the public. While not specific to colleges and universities, we face the same challenges in trying to protect those that live, learn, and work here. Effective tomorrow, all exterior doors will be locked and require key card access. College Care for Kids families will be allowed access only via the doors closest the Learning Commons and Athletic Offices.
We previously notified everyone that we were transitioning all face to face academic and lecture based courses to online and had hoped to be able to accelerate lab learning for several of our career and technical education programs. Unfortunately, we have had to transition to alternative delivery for the vast majority of these students. Affected students have been notified of the changes and how it affects them.
As students come back from spring break and make arrangements with our housing director to leave the residence halls, we will be simultaneously launching a student outreach plan to ensure those students who chose face to face learning and now must do so online are not left without resources.
We are also following the Governor’s recommendation that employees practice social distancing, limit public interactions and gatherings, and telecommute when possible. Although not all personnel will be physically present during the work day, all services are still available. Please contact the LRSC switchboard, (800) 443-1313, (701) 662-1600, should you need any information or assistance.
It is important to take note of the most current travel recommendations regarding self-quarantine. The North Dakota Department of Health has many resources for people regarding COVID-19. Guides, checklists and more information can be found at: https://www.health.nd.gov/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus-public. Anyone in the greater Devils Lake region feeling ill should call the Altru Hotline to discuss symptoms before going to the medical facility. That Hotline number is (701) 780-6358.
We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available and operational changes present themselves.